What is the definition of carrying capacity?

Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can sustainably support without degrading the habitat. This concept is crucial in the fields of ecology and conservation biology because it incorporates both the resources available in an ecosystem, such as food, water, and shelter, and the demands that a population places on those resources. When populations exceed their carrying capacity, the environment may become degraded, leading to resource depletion, which ultimately results in population decline or collapse.

Understanding carrying capacity helps ecologists manage wildlife populations and assess the impact of human activities on ecosystems. It reflects the balance needed to maintain healthy populations and their environments over time, emphasizing sustainability and the interconnectedness of species and their habitats.